Refino Construction And Home Improvement Ideas

Window film and sustainability: balancing budget with environmental factors

Sustainability. It might be a buzzword, but that’s because it’s popular. Popular with customers, planners, architects and the public. In fact, a recently published report found that within the next four years at least 60% of building projects will include some element of sustainable materials within their design. We all know, of course, that building sustainably is good for the environment, but does it also have to be expensive? Are there ways to reap the benefits of sustainable construction, whilst also staying within your client’s budget?

What’s the easiest way in the world to save money? Don’t spend it in the first place. Whether you’re looking at a new build or a renovation, consider where you are actually going to get the greatest benefit from sustainable materials. Think about renovating an old farmhouse, for example. Chances are that the walls provide about as much insulation as a sheet of tissue paper, but there’s not much you can do about it without spending an arm and a leg and totally spoiling the look of the property.

So how about the windows? Creaky old single-glazed wooden windows are hardly likely to keep the heat in, so it’s tempting to get rid of them. But, of course, we don’t want to spoil our beautiful period property with uPVC monstrosities.

A compromise: window films

An example of one of many areas where technology can come to your rescue, window films can bridge the gap between high-cost replacements and low-sustainability. In this instance, we have a product which costs a tiny fraction of full replacement windows, yet provides many of the benefits. When professionally installed, and combined with silicone sealants around the frame, window films are a near ideal option for an environmentally-friendly building project.

Manufactured from chemically treated layers of polyester which are applied to the glass, the film works alongside a sealing material around the frame – such as silicon sealants sold by Ct1 – to keep the property warm in winter and cool in the summer.

n the summer, the film reflects the sun’s heat outwards, reducing the amount of heat entering the property by up to 84%. In cooler weather, window films can retain up to 55% of a building’s heat.